PCA Zinc(Zinc Pyrrolidone Carboxylate) –The Multi-Functional Active for Oil Control, Acne Prevention & Skin Barrier Health
Model No. : PCA Zinc (Zinc Pyrrolidone Carboxylate)
Brand Name: NIKOOCHEM
Place of Origin: Guangdong, China
INCI: Zinc PCA (Zinc Pyrrolidone Carboxylate)
Chemical Name：Bis(5-oxo-L-prolinato-N1,O2)zinc
CAS No.：15454-75-8 (also 68107-75-5)
Molecular Formula：C₁₀H₁₂N₂O₆Zn
Molecular Weight：321.5–321.61 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Solubility: Water‑soluble.
Purity: ≥98% (cosmetic grade)
pH (10% solution): 5.0 – 6.0
Recommended dosage: 0.5% – 3.0%
Optimal Formulation pH：5.5 – 7.0
Addition Temperature：Addition Temperature
Shelf Life：24 months when stored in original unopened container, cool & dark place
MOQ : 25 kg
Packaging : 25 kg plastic drum (food‑grade HDPE)
Product Characteristics
A water-soluble zinc salt of natural PCA – regulates sebum, fights acne-causing bacteria, calms inflammation, and hydrates. The complete solution for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.
PCA Zinc (Zinc Pyrrolidone Carboxylate) combines two powerful skin-loving components: zinc – known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties – and PCA (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) – a natural humectant that is part of the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). This unique combination makes PCA zinc a highly effective, multi-functional active for skincare and personal care formulations
How It Works
1. Regulates Sebum Production
PCA zinc inhibits the activity of 5α-reductase, the enzyme responsible for stimulating sebum production. This reduces excess oil on the skin's surface, controls shine, and prevents the "external oil, internal dryness" cycle that plagues oily skin types.
2. Fights Acne-Causing Bacteria
In vitro studies show that PCA zinc at concentrations of 0.1–0.25% completely inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes – a key contributor to acne development. It also exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity to prevent future breakouts.
3. Calms Inflammation & Reduces Redness
The zinc ions in PCA zinc enhance the activity of enzymes involved in anti-inflammatory responses, reducing redness and discomfort associated with acne. It regulates the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6
4. Hydrates & Supports Barrier Function
As a carrier of NMF, PCA zinc increases stratum corneum moisture content and helps repair the skin barrier. It strengthens the skin's resistance, improving roughness, redness, and overall skin health.
5. Provides Anti-Aging Benefits
PCA zinc suppresses UVA-induced MMP-1 production – an enzyme that breaks down collagen in photoaged skin. It also enhances type I collagen synthesis by increasing the expression of ascorbic acid transporters (SVCT2)
Most oil‑control ingredients work on the surface – absorbing oil, drying out the skin. PCA zinc works upstream.
The mechanism:
✅ 5α‑reductase inhibition – reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone that signals sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. Less DHT = less sebum = less shine.
✅ Dual antibacterial action – zinc ions target Propionibacterium acnes growth at 0.1‑0.25%, while PCA provides a healthy, hydrated environment that discourages bacterial overgrowth.
✅ Anti‑inflammatory regulation – modulates TNF-α and IL-6 production, reducing redness and discomfort.
✅ Collagen protection – suppresses UVA‑induced AP‑1 activation, reducing MMP‑1 (collagenase) production and protecting collagen from degradation.
The result: Skin that's balanced, clear, hydrated, and resilient – not stripped, irritated, or dehydrated.
Key Benefits at a Glance
|
Benefit |
Description |
|
✅ Oil Control |
Inhibits 5α-reductase, reduces sebum secretion |
|
✅ Anti-Acne |
0.1–0.25% completely inhibits P. acnes growth |
|
✅ Anti-Inflammatory |
Reduces redness, calms irritation |
|
✅ Hydration |
PCA attracts and locks in moisture |
|
✅ Barrier Repair |
Strengthens skin barrier, breaks oil-dryness cycle |
|
✅ Anti-Aging |
Inhibits collagen degradation, promotes synthesis |
|
✅ Pore Refinement |
Prevents blockage, tightens pores |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| INCI Name | Zinc PCA |
| CAS No. | 15454-75-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₀H₁₂N₂O₆Zn |
| Molecular Weight | 321.5 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Water‑soluble |
| Purity | ≥98% (cosmetic grade) |
| pH (10% solution) | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Recommended dosage | 0.5 – 3.0% |
| Optimal pH | 5.5 – 7.0 |
| Addition temperature | <45°C |
| Applications | Serums, toners, creams, gels, masks, shampoos, colour cosmetics |
| Packaging | 1 kg / 25 kg |
Product Application
Why Formulators Choose PCA Zinc
✅ Multi-functional – addresses oil, acne, inflammation, hydration, and aging in one active
✅ Water-soluble – easy to incorporate into water-based formulations
✅ Clinically proven – 0.1–0.25% completely inhibits P. acnes growth
✅ Well-tolerated – non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin
✅ Versatile – works across skincare, haircare, and colour cosmetics
Formulation Guidelines
Dosage: 0.5 – 3.0% (1–2% for daily oil-control products; 2–3% for intensive acne treatments)
Addition: Dissolve in water phase at <45°C
pH: 5.5 – 7.0 for optimal stability
Important: PCA zinc is ionic – avoid combining with ion-sensitive thickeners such as Carbomer
Applications: Serums, toners, moisturisers, masks, cleansers, anti-dandruff shampoos, foundations
Packaging
1kg/bottle, 10kg/tank according to customers' requirements
For samples, it is shipped by express , such as FedEx,DHL,TNT& UPS, it takes around 3-7 days. For bulk order, we will recommend to ship by sea. If you have cooperated shipping agent in China , we can ship to their warehouse for you.
1, the addition amount of 1.0%-10.0% or so, it is recommended that the product is added in the formulation of low temperature (below 55 ℃ when) stage;
2、It is recommended that its package is light-avoidance closed package to reduce contact with air and light sources, sealed storage, and pay attention to reasonable sun protection.
Storage: room temperature (5-25 ℃) to save sealed, shaded cool place to save, 4-5 ℃ refrigeration is preferred. After opening, wipe the bottle clean and store it in airtight refrigerated storage, it is recommended to use it up within 1 month after opening.
Shelf life: the product can remain stable for at least two years when stored in closed containers under the recommended conditions.
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